Minnesota: land of 10,000 lakes and, as it turns out, a treasure trove of finger-lickin’ good fried chicken joints.
Who knew the North Star State was secretly harboring a poultry paradise?
1. A & J Fish & Chicken Inc. (Minneapolis)
Tucked away in Minneapolis, A & J Fish & Chicken Inc. is the culinary equivalent of finding a twenty-dollar bill in your winter coat pocket.
This no-frills spot might not win any beauty pageants, but its fried chicken?
That’s supermodel material.
The exterior screams “fast food joint,” with its bright orange awning and neon signs advertising jumbo shrimp and gyros.
But don’t let appearances fool you – this place is serving up some seriously good eats.
Their fried chicken is the star of the show, with a crispy exterior that could make a potato chip jealous and juicy meat that’ll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about poultry.
Walking in, you’re greeted by the sizzle of the fryer and the mouthwatering aroma of spices.
The menu board above the counter is a smorgasbord of comfort food classics, but trust me, the fried chicken is where it’s at.
Order a combo meal, and you’ll get a heap of golden-brown goodness alongside some crispy fries.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to high-five the cook and ask for their secret recipe (spoiler alert: they probably won’t tell you).
2. Brasa Premium Rotisserie (Minneapolis & St. Paul)
Brasa Premium Rotisserie is like that cool cousin who went backpacking through the South and came back with a killer recipe for comfort food.
With locations in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, it’s bringing Southern-inspired delights to the Twin Cities.
The vibe here is casual and welcoming, with an open kitchen that lets you peek at the culinary magic happening behind the scenes.
Their fried chicken might not be the headliner (that honor goes to their rotisserie), but it’s definitely the surprise opening act that steals the show.
Crispy, well-seasoned, and juicy – it’s the kind of chicken that makes you want to start a slow clap in the middle of your meal.
The menu at Brasa is a love letter to Southern cuisine, with dishes that’ll transport you straight to a New Orleans kitchen.
Their fried chicken is a standout performer in an already stellar lineup.
Pair it with some of their creamy coleslaw and cornbread, and you’ve got a meal that’ll make you forget you’re in the Midwest.
It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist, served up in a setting that’s as inviting as a warm Southern evening.
3. Revival (Minneapolis & St. Paul)
If fried chicken were a religion, Revival would be its megachurch.
This place has gained a cult following faster than you can say “extra crispy,” and for good reason.
Their Southern fried chicken is so good, it might make you consider moving to Minnesota.
Yes, it’s that serious.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, like you’ve just walked into your hip friend’s dinner party.
Their fried chicken is the kind of fried chicken that makes time stand still – crispy, juicy, and seasoned to perfection.
One bite, and you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve even finished chewing.
What sets Revival apart is their attention to detail.
Each piece of chicken is brined, battered, and fried to golden perfection.
The result?
A crust that shatters like glass when you bite into it, revealing juicy meat that’s bursting with flavor.
And don’t even get me started on their selection of house-made sauces.
From classic buttermilk ranch to spicy Tennessee hot, they’ve got a sauce for every mood and palate.
4. Mama’s Pizza (St. Paul)
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Fried chicken at a pizza joint? That’s like ordering a salad at a steakhouse!”
But trust me, Mama’s Pizza in St. Paul is full of surprises.
This family-owned gem has been serving up Italian-American comfort food since 1964, and they’ve picked up a few tricks along the way.
The place has that classic pizzeria vibe – red brick exterior, cozy booths, and the smell of tomato sauce in the air.
But don’t let the name fool you.
While their pizza game is strong, their fried chicken is the dark horse of the menu.
It’s the kind of unexpected delight that’ll have you saying, “Mama mia, that’s good chicken!”
5. The Nook (St. Paul)
The Nook in St. Paul is like that unassuming guy at the party who turns out to be a secret millionaire.
Known for its Juicy Lucy burgers, this neighborhood joint is hiding a fried chicken secret that’ll knock your socks off.
The place has that classic burger joint feel – cozy, bustling, and always smelling of something delicious.
While the burgers might be the main attraction, their fried chicken is the understudy that’s ready to steal the spotlight.
It’s crispy, it’s juicy, and it might just make you forget about burgers altogether.
(But don’t tell the Juicy Lucy I said that.)
6. Pho 79 (Minneapolis)
Pho 79 in Minneapolis is like finding out your quiet neighbor is actually a secret agent.
On the surface, it’s a no-frills Vietnamese restaurant serving up steaming bowls of pho.
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But dig a little deeper, and you’ll uncover a fried chicken that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about Asian cuisine.
The place is simple and unassuming, with a focus on the food rather than fancy decor.
While their pho is undoubtedly delicious, their fried chicken is the unexpected plot twist in this culinary story.
It’s crispy, it’s flavorful, and it’s got a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds faster than a double shot of espresso.
7. Ted Cook’s 19th Hole Barbecue (Minneapolis)
Ted Cook’s 19th Hole Barbecue is the hole-in-the-wall joint that golf dreams are made of.
This Minneapolis BBQ spot has been serving up smoky delights since 1968, but their fried chicken?
That’s a hole-in-one.
The exterior is unassuming, with a simple awning announcing its presence.
Inside, it’s all about the food.
While their barbecue rightfully takes center stage, the fried chicken is like the talented understudy waiting in the wings.
It’s crispy, it’s juicy, and it’s got enough flavor to make you forget all about your golf score.
8. Maverick’s Real Roast Beef (Roseville)
Maverick’s in Roseville is like that friend who always has a surprise up their sleeve.
Known for its roast beef sandwiches, this local favorite is secretly harboring some of the best fried chicken in the state.
The place has a no-nonsense vibe, with a focus on good food rather than fancy frills.
While the roast beef is their claim to fame, their fried chicken is the dark horse of the menu.
It’s crispy, it’s juicy, and it might just make you rethink your sandwich order.
9. Que Viet Village House (Minneapolis)
Que Viet Village House in Minneapolis is like a culinary time machine that transports you straight to Vietnam.
While they’re famous for their spring rolls, their fried chicken is the unsung hero of the menu.
The restaurant has a cozy, family-run feel, with decor that hints at its Vietnamese roots.
Their fried chicken might not be traditional Vietnamese fare, but it’s a fusion masterpiece that’ll have you booking a flight to Hanoi… or at least coming back for seconds.
10. Ideal Diner (Minneapolis)
Ideal Diner in Minneapolis is like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting, if Norman Rockwell had a thing for really good fried chicken.
This classic American diner has been serving up breakfast and lunch since 1949, and they’ve perfected the art of crispy, juicy poultry along the way.
With its retro signage and cozy interior, Ideal Diner is a slice of Americana served with a side of nostalgia.
Their fried chicken might not have been on the menu since 1949, but it tastes like it’s been perfected over decades.
It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you want to slide into a booth and never leave.
11. Band Box Diner (Minneapolis)
Last but not least, we have the Band Box Diner in Minneapolis.
This tiny, historic diner is like the Little Engine That Could of the fried chicken world.
Known for its burgers and breakfast, this pint-sized powerhouse is serving up some seriously good bird.
The diner itself is a slice of history, with its distinctive red and white exterior and cozy interior.
While you might come for the classic diner fare, you’ll stay for the fried chicken.
It’s crispy, it’s juicy, and it’s proof that good things really do come in small packages.
There you have it, folks – eleven reasons to cluck yeah about Minnesota’s fried chicken scene.
Who needs the Colonel when you’ve got these hidden gems?